Collapsible weatherproof cover for swimming pools



D. FOLKES Sept. 30, 1969 COLLAPSIBLE WEATHERPROOF COVER FOR SWIMMINGPOOLS Filed Dec. 22, 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG .3.

' lN/EHTOR 041 40 [Oz/ ATTORNEY Sept. 30, 1969 o. FOLKES 3,469,587

COLLAPSIBLE WEATHERPROOF COVER FOR SWIMMING POOLS Filed Dec. 22, 1967 3Sheets-Sheet 2 AI IOHNLY Sepfi. 30, 1969 D. FOLKES 3,469,587

COLLAPSIBLE WEATHERPROOF COVER FOR SWIMMING POOLS Filed Dec. 22, 1967 3Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR DAVID FOLKES 68015874 Forfafm ATTORNEY 3,469,587CGLLAPSELE WEATHERPROOF COVER FOR SWEMMING POOLS David Foihes, Hamilton,Ontario, Canada, assignor to Foldway Covers Limited Continuation-impartof application Ser. No. 503,690,

Get. 23, 1965. This application Dec. 22, 1967, Ser.

Int. Q1. A455 1/00; E041) 1/347 U.S. (Ii. 135-1 10 Claims ABSTRACT OFTHE DISCLOSURE The invention relates to a collapsible temporarystructure for use as a cover for swimming pools and the like and is acontinuation-in-part of my co-pending application Ser. No. 503,690 filedOct. 23, 1965, to be issued on Jan. 2, 1968 as US. Letters Patent No.3,361,144, entitled Collapsible Weatherproof Cover for Swimming Pools.

The sales of private swimming pool installations, particularly intemperate climates are often restricted by the variations in the weatherwhich tend to limit the use of an outdoor pool to two to three months ofthe year. The use period can sometimes be extended by erecting windbarriers around the pool but notwithstanding this, the fact that thepool is open to the air results in a substantial heat loss every nightand as a result the water is often at an uncomfortably low temperature.However, the cost of erecting a permanent covering or canopy over a.pool is very great, and in addition, it substantially decreases theappeal of the pool in the warmer summer months since families willusually wish to swim in the pool and to sun bathe around the edge andthis will be impossible where there is a permanent covering. In somecases, removable canopies or coverings have been provided for swimmingpools usually being of such a size and complex structure that their costwas even greater than that of a permanent structure.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to rovide acollapsible cover for swimming pools and the like which is simple andeconomical to build and which is so constructed as to be readilyassembled on the site and to be collapsible and erectable by a homeowner.

More particularly, it is an objective of the present invention toprovide an apparatus having the foregoing advantages which issubstantially transparent so as to permit heating of the pool by thesuns rays during the day.

More particularly, it is an objective of the present invention toprovide an apparatus having the foregoing advantages in which individualpanels of the transparent material may be readily replaced.

tates Patent More particularly, it is an objective of the present in- Vas a greenhouse or removable utility cover for automobiles and the like.

The foregoing and other advantages will become apparent from thefollowing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention whichis here given by way of example only with reference to the followingdrawings, in which like reference devices refer to like parts thereofthroughout the various views and diaphragms, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective illustration of a swimming pool coveraccording to the invention erected in position and showing one portionthereof collapsed;

FIGURE 2 is an end elevational view, partially in section, along theline 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional detail along the line 33 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a greatly enlarged perspective illustration of the detailshown in the circle 4 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a greatly enlarged side elevational view of the detail shownin circle 5 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 shows the detail of FIGURE 5 in another position.

FIGURE 7 is a perspective of an alternative embodiment corresponding tothe detail of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective of an alternative embodiment corresponding toFIGURE 4, partially cut away;

FIGURE 9 is a section of an alternative embodiment corresponding toFIGURE 3;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective of a further alternative embodimentcorresponding to FIGURES 8 and 4, partially cut away;

FIGURE 11 is a side elevational View of an alternative embodimentshowing the junction of the supporting ribs at the ridge, and,

FIGURE 12, is a section along the line 1212 of FIGURE 11.

It will be noted from the drawings that this preferred embodiment of theinvention comprises as basic members a plurality 'of generallyarch-shaped hoops or frame members indicated as 10 which are arrangedand braced to provide support for a series of strip like plastic panels11 so as to provide a generally arch-shaped canopy structure for maximumstrength and resistance to loads such as may be caused by heavy rain orsnow. One end of the structure may be supported by means of the threebracing struts 12 anchored to one of frames 10 and at their lower endsbeing united together and fastened in the ground so as to support thesame in its collapsed condition, but these are rendered unnecessary inan alternative embodiment. It will be noted from FIGURE 1 that thecollapsing action consists essentially of a concertina-type movementwith frames 10 remaining in their arch position but being pushed againstone another in sequence. In this way, in their collapsed position, theframes 10 and supporting structure and the plastic panels 11 occupysomewhat less than ten percent of their extended length therebyproviding a pool area substantially clear of obstruction during thesummer months, which the exception of the collapsed or stored structurewhich will remain erected at one end of the pool being supported bymembers 12, or being self-supporting, as described below.

From FIGURE 2 it will be noted that each of frames 10 consistessentially of a continuous rib member 13 bent into substantiallyarch-like shape and provided with interior-support comprising bracingrods '14. At the lower ends of rib members 13 there are provided meansfor rolling or sliding thereof for collapsing and extending as aforesaidconsisting in one form of wheels or casters 15 rotatably mounted intandem between mounting plates 16 which are welded or bolted to ribmembers 13. Frames 10 are linked together with one another by a seriesof generally horizontally extending bracing struts 17 (see FIGURE 5)consisting of strut portions 17a and 17b hingedly mounted to adjacentframes at spaced intervals around the arched shape thereof and havingtheir free ends hingedlyconnected together by means of bolt 18. Strutportion 17a is further provided with extension or sleeve 19 adapted tofit around and engage the end portion of strut portion 17b to receivebolt 18 and permit hinging thereon over a wide arc, locking bar 19abeing fastened across the ends of flanges 19 to abut against strutportion 17b when in the extended position at a point just past alignmentwith strut portion 17a, and maintain the same in their extendedposition. Alternatively, the elbow joints may be constructed as shown inFIGURE 7, by means of an intermediate channel portion 19b to which bothof strut portions 17 and 17a are separately hinged as shown.

The individual panels 11 of plastic material are preferably comprised oftransparent sheet vinyl or other plastic, which may be sewn or welded ormay be separate panels as described below and clamped within rib members13 around the contour thereof. For this purpose, ribs 3 may beconstructed as shown in FIGURE 3 and comprise essentially a rectangularchannel shape in section having an inner wall 20, side Walls 21 andouter walls 22 defining a continuous opening therebetween. A continuousclamping bar 23 may be slidably located within the rib member 13 and maybe drawn into engagement with outer wall portions 22 for clamping ofplastic sheets 11 therebetween by means of a series of clamping bolts 24adapted to pass Within the opening between Walls 22 as aforesaid andthreadably engage bar 23. Alternatively, the plastic panels 11 may beseparate from one another and provided with a welted edge 11a, by meansof plastic welding for example around a core of rope ll b or by simplyusing a thicker portion of plastic along the edge of the sheet 11, andsliding each of sheets 11 into their respective channel-shaped ribs 13from one end as shown in FIGURE 9.

The end walls of the structure are also collapsible and are preferablyconstructed of a series of vertical frame members 25 of similarcross-section to rib members 13 as illustrated in FIGURE 3, andinterconnected by collapsible struts 26 of similar construction tostruts 17 permitting the same to be folded double for collapsing thereof(as shown partially in FIGURE 2). In order to permit collapsing of theframe portions 25 towards one another, the plastic material 11 mountedthereon is preferably attached around the arch-shaped periphery of theendmost frame member 10 by means of series of crown fasteners or thelike (not shown).

In order to permit collapsing and extending as aforesaid, mounting meansare permanently fastened around the pool or other area to be coveredconsisting in one form of parallel steel rail members 27 fastened to thesurroundings of the pool or to the ground by any suitable means such asa series of wooden anchor boards 28 and spaced apart from one another adistance corresponding to the spacing between the ends of rib members13. A series of crown fasteners may be provided along the lowerperiphery of plastic panels 11 for engagement with similar crownfasteners fastened for example to wooden anchor boards 28. Similarly,where the end walls of the structure are to be collapsible as describedin connection with FIGURE 2, similar rails indicated as 29 are providedanchored to anchor boards 30 and the plastic panels 11 are fastenedthereto as by crown fasteners (not shown).

In operation, plastic panels 11 will be attached to rib members 13 byfirst of all withdrawing slide members 23 therefrom and then insertingfolds of panels 11 within the opening between wall portions 22 thereofand subsequently sliding clamping members 23 therealong and fasteningthe same in clamped engagement by means of bolts 24. The adjacent framemembers 10 may then be moved into their fully extended apart position bysimply drawing the same along rails 27 and strut portions 17a and 17bare forced into their extended position with locking bar 19a lying alongand around strut portion 17b holding the same in such position.Collapsing of the structure may be effected by applying pressure tostrut portions 17a and 17b in the region of flanges 19 at bolt 18 in adirection causing disengagement of locking sleeve 19a from strut portion17b and thereafter rolling the released frame member 10 towards the nextadjacent member. These movements may be repeated in sequence until allsuch frame members are lying closely adjacent to one another at one endof the pool. The same operation essentially will be carried out withrespect to extension and collapsing of the end portions of the structurecomprising vertical frames 25 and extendable struts 26.

For purposes of entry and exit a door flap of plastic (not shown) may beprovided in one or both of the ends of thestructure and fastened bycrown fasteners to the adjacent plastic thereof. According to a furtherembodiment, the roller means illustrated in FIGURE 4 may advantageouslybe replaced by an interlocking skid and rail device, two forms of whichare illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 10.

FIGURE 8 shows a ground rail 35, which replaces the rail means 27 ofFIGURE 4, comprising a rectangular channel-shaped member havingretaining flanges 36 and 37 defining a restricted open slot therealong,and provided with attachment lugs 38 for fastening to a plank (notshown) or otherwise as desired. Each channel-shaped rib 13 is providedat its lower end, in this example, with a leg 39 and a skid member 40,leg 39 being dimensioned to fit slidably between flanges 36 and 37, andskid 40 being adapted to slide along the inside of rail 35 while beingtoo wide to shape between flanges 36 and 37. FIG- ure 10 shows asomewhat cheaper form of skid device in which leg 39 is merely turnedover at its free end to provide a skid 40A.

By this means, it is possible to dispense with supporting struts 12, andthe cover is self-supporting even in its collapsed condition, theengagement of the skid and rail means holding the cover firmly downagainst even very strong winds.

An additional feature is shown in FIGURES 11 and 12 for use in reducingthe tendency for the plastic sheets 11 to be punctured at the ridge ofthe cover, by avoiding sharp edges. In this embodiment, ribs 13 arejoined at their upper ends by means of an open, U-shaped channel member41 formed in two parts and welded at 42 into the inverted shallowV-shape shown, to accept ribs 13. Bolts 43 pass through member 41 andribs 13 from side to side to retain the same in position. Strut members17 are attached between members 41, being hingedly fastened to flanges44 for the purpose, so as to hold the same in the stressed, extendedposition, or to be collapsible as desired.

In many cases it will be found that the life of the plastic sheets 11can be greatly prolonged by the addition of a reinforcing strip (notshown) attached along the lower edge of each such sheet 11 about six totwelve inches wide and of canvas vinyl, or other material, or one ormore additional thickness of plastic material heat sealed thereto, whichwill reduce tearing of the sheets 11 at this point.

Where further strength is required a further welded edge (not shown) canbe added along the bottom edge of each panel 11 and inserted into thechannel or rail 35.

The construction of the opposite ends of the cover may be formed insingle sheets or may also be formed of separate panels 11 with weldededges (not shown) and the individual vertical members 25 may also be ofchannelshaped section as shown in FIGURE 9, thereby permittingreplacement of individual panels 11 as required. In some cases theprovision of doors (not shown) at each end may be inadequate, and insuch cases the entire central section of one or both ends mayalternatively be attached to the adjacent portions by means of zippers(not shown) so as to permit a greater opening to be provided forventilation, and such central panel can be then rolled up out of theway.

The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of theinvention which is here made by way of example only. The invention isnot to be taken as limited to the specific steps described butcomprehends all such variations that come within the spirit and scope ofthe 'appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A temporary collapsible structure for use as cover for swimming poolsand the like and comprising:

a plurality of generally arch-shaped frames;

track means adapted to be anchored permanently for supporting said framemovably at their ends; carriage means on said frame ends engaging saidtrack means;

means retaining said carriage means against displacement of saidcarriage means from said track means; collapsible strut means connectedbetween adjacent said frames and extensible to support the same;

end frame members at each end of said structure adapted to extend in aplane of a said arch-shaped frame, said end frame member on at least oneend of said structure being releasably movable to permit saidarch-shaped frames to be moved towards the other end of said structure;and

plastic canopy means releasably attachable over said structure.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including locking means on saidstrut means to hold same in their extended position.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said track meanscomprise support channel means to carry said carriage means, andretaining flange means on said channel means engaging said carriagemeans.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plastic canopy meansare releasably attachable between adjacent arch-shaped frames therebyforming a roof and side walls of said structure.

S. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plastic canopy meansform end cover means releasably attachable around said arch-shaped frameat each end of said structlure.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including track means adapted tobe anchored permanently for supporting said end frame members movably attheir ends.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said end frame memberscomprise a plurality of vertical frame members extending between theupper portion of said arch-shaped frame and the ground therebeneath.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said end frame memberscomprise a plurality of vertical frame members and collapsible strutmeans connected between the adjacent vertical frame members andextensible to support the same.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said arch-shaped framesare formed of channel-shaped members having side walls spaced apartsufiicient to receive two said enlarged panel edge means therebetween,and retaining flanges on said side walls defining a single continuousslot of a width sufficient to accept thickness of at least two saidplastic canopy means while retaining said edge means therein.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said carriage meanscomprise skid means on said arch-shaped frames at their ends having agreater length than width with ends angled upward.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,344,717 6/1920 Puff. 1,427,7498/ 1922 Leech. 2,627,864 2/1953 Barker -1 2,986,150 5/1961 Torian 135-13,165,110 1/1965 Brooks 1353 XR KENNETH DOWN EY, Primary Examiner US.Cl. X.R. 4-172; 135-3, 4

